Ball Arena, located at 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver’s Central Platte Valley, is one of the premier indoor entertainment destinations in the Rocky Mountain region. The 675,000-square-foot, five-level facility opened on October 1, 1999 — then named Pepsi Center — with Celine Dion performing the inaugural concert. Designed by architect HOK Sport (now Populous) and built at a cost of roughly $187 million in private funds, it was developed by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment on a 4.6-acre site in the heart of downtown Denver.
On October 22, 2020, Ball Corporation acquired naming rights and the venue became Ball Arena. With a concert capacity of up to 21,000 and more than 250 events per year, it remains the largest indoor venue in Colorado. A state-of-the-art JBL Vertec line array sound system and a giant 4K-resolution floor projection screen make it a top destination for touring megastars — Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift have all performed here, cementing Ball Arena as the beating heart of Denver’s live music scene.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, Colorado
- Type: Multi-purpose indoor arena
- Opened: October 1, 1999 (as Pepsi Center)
- Renamed: October 22, 2020 (Ball Arena)
- Concert Capacity: Up to 21,000
- Construction Cost: ~$187 million
- Architect: HOK Sport (now Populous)
- Famous for: Inaugural Celine Dion concert; 250+ events per year
A Venue Built for World-Class Live Music
Ball Arena was engineered from the ground up to deliver premium concert experiences alongside professional sports. Its flexible stage configurations allow the floor plan to shift between hockey, basketball, and full concert setups — scaling capacity from around 17,800 for hockey to more than 21,000 for large-scale shows. The JBL Vertec line array sound system ensures even coverage throughout all five levels, while a massive 4K projection system transforms the arena floor into a cinematic canvas for elaborate productions.
The venue’s location in Denver’s Central Platte Valley puts it steps from downtown, served by the Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens light rail station, making it easily accessible for the metro area’s two-million-plus residents. Its booking history reads like a who’s-who of contemporary touring acts, and the arena consistently ranks among the top-grossing concert venues in North America.
From Pepsi Center to Ball Arena: A Lasting Legacy
For more than two decades, Denverites knew this arena as Pepsi Center — a name synonymous with Stanley Cup runs, NBA playoff nights, and sell-out concerts. When Ball Corporation, a Colorado-based packaging company, secured naming rights in October 2020, the rebrand carried local pride: Ball Corporation is headquartered just miles away in Broomfield. The new name marked a fresh chapter without erasing the venue’s storied past.
Since its 1999 debut, Ball Arena has hosted everything from Grammy-winning global tours to hometown farewell shows. Its private ownership model under Kroenke Sports & Entertainment has allowed continuous investment in technology and fan amenities, keeping the arena competitive with newer facilities across the country. Whether it’s a 20,000-strong rock concert or an intimate awards event, Ball Arena remains Colorado’s definitive indoor stage.
Explore more: Live Music venues.
Ball Arena FAQs
When did Ball Arena open, and what was the first concert held there?
Ball Arena opened on October 1, 1999, under the name Pepsi Center. The first event was a sold-out concert by Celine Dion, who dedicated the show to the Columbine community.
How many people does Ball Arena hold for concerts?
Ball Arena seats up to 21,000 fans for concerts, depending on stage configuration. Capacity is approximately 19,520 for basketball and around 17,809 for hockey.
How do I get to Ball Arena in Denver?
Ball Arena is located at 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver’s Central Platte Valley. It is directly served by the Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens light rail station on the RTD W Line, and multiple parking structures are available nearby.
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Photo: Troutfarm27 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.